Brading Town Reserves claimed a crucial victory in the battle of the top 2 in Combination 1, edging out Whitecroft & Barton Reserves by a single goal on Saturday.
In a keenly contested encounter, it was the visitors who struck first midway through the first half when Theo Appell found the net to give the advantage to the away side going into half time (0-1).
The Romans emerged for the second half with renewed purpose and were rewarded on the hour mark. Ben Pomroy produced a fine lob to level proceedings (1-1), marking his first goal of the season.
The hosts had a golden opportunity to take the lead with 15 minutes remaining, but their penalty was well saved by the W&B goalkeeper, keeping the scores level.
However, with 10 minutes left on the clock, Bradley Gamble once again proved decisive, striking the winner to seal a vital victory for the Romans (2-1).
Full Time: Brading Town Reserves 2-1 W&B Reserves
Brading Town Reserves: Jamie Linnington, Max Fallone, Tim Shaw (c), Jamie White, Luke Glynn, Tom Kirby, Ad Cantelo, Isaac Glynn, Charlie Page, Bradley Gamble, Connor Coburn. Subs: Alex Hatton, Ben Pomroy. Man-of-the-Match: Jamie White.
W&B Reserves conclude their season on 42 points, while Brading remain 2nd on 33 points with 5 games still to play – all at Vicarage Lane.
The Romans’ remaining fixtures are Osborne Coburg Reserves (H), West Wight Reserves (A), ECS Reserves (H), Shanklin Reserves (H), Sandown & Lake Reserves (H).
